Last Supper

The Ultimate Sacrifice: Learning from the Passover Lamb

Bible Passage: Ex 12:1–13, Ps 116:1–19, 1 Co 11:23–26, Jn 13:1–17

Summary: The passages highlight the significance of the Passover as a foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice, the expression of love towards God, the establishment of the Lord's Supper, and the act of serving others through humility, as demonstrated by Jesus.

Application: This sermon can help children understand the importance of Jesus' sacrifice and how they can show love and service to others in their daily lives. It teaches them the concepts of sacrifice, gratitude, and humility, which they can apply in their relationships with family and friends.

Teaching: This sermon emphasizes that the Passover Lamb symbolizes Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, encouraging children to appreciate what Jesus did for them. Additionally, it teaches them how acts of love and service are essential in Christian living.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout the scriptures, from Passover lamb in Exodus to Jesus washing the disciples' feet, we see the central theme of Christ as the servant who sacrifices Himself for love and redemption, fulfilling the requirements of the Law and establishing a new covenant of grace.

Big Idea: Understanding Jesus as both the Passover Lamb and the servant who loves and serves us calls us to reciprocate that love and serve others in our lives.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring commentaries on Exodus 12 to delve deeper into the significance of the Passover in Jewish tradition. You can also use Logos to examine the connections between Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians and the Jewish customs surrounding Passover. Pay attention to the themes of sacrifice and service within each passage and how they cumulatively point to Christ.

1. Passover Promise for Protection

Ex 12:1–13

Perhaps you could introduce the concept of the Passover Lamb, explaining how God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a spotless lamb to save them from the final plague in Egypt. This mirrors Jesus as our perfect sacrificial Lamb, saving us from sin. This sacrificial love can teach children about the depths of God's love and the importance of obedience.

2. Praise for God's Provision

Ps 116:1–19

You could emphasize how the Psalmist expresses love for God by reflecting on God's deliverance and goodness. Encourage children to think about how they can show gratitude and love to God in their daily lives. This passage reinforces understanding Jesus' sacrifice as a motivation for worship and thanksgiving.

3. Reflecting on Sacrifice

1 Co 11:23–26

Perhaps explore the institution of the Lord's Supper, illustrating how Jesus asked us to remember His ultimate sacrifice. Encourage children to consider how they can remember and honor Jesus' love through their actions towards others, fostering a heart of gratitude and service.

4. Serving with Sacrificial Love

Jn 13:1–17

Maybe expand on the scene where Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, demonstrating humility and service. Use this story to teach children the importance of serving others selflessly, showing how Jesus' actions were an extension of His sacrificial love. Highlight this as a model for children to emulate in their interactions with family and friends.